1 Peter 01:15-16 Take Time to be Holy

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Text: 1 Peter 1:15-16

Introduction

1. Our songs in worship are designed to instruct as well as praise

a. For in them we teach and admonish one another – Colossians 3:16

b. By them the Word of Christ can dwell in us richly – Colossians 3:16

2. A familiar song with an important message is “Take Time to be Holy”.

a. Words written by W.D. Longstaff

b. Music composed by GeorgeC. Stebbins

3. Certainly the children of God are to be holy

a. We are to be holy in our conduct – 1 Peter 1:15

b. Even as our Father who calls us is holy – 1 Peter 1:15-16

4. Indeed, holiness is to be pursued, for without it one will not see the Lord – Hebrews 12:14

Body

I. THE NEED TO TAKE TIME

A. THE WORLD RUSHES ON

1. As expressed in the beginning of the second verse

2. Our lives are certainly hectic and fast-paced

3. Filled with activities that consume our time

4. And our lives are but a vapor – James 4:13-14

5. Before we know it, time will have slipped by

B. IT TAKES TIME TO BE HOLY

1. The key presumption upon which this song is based

2. Holiness must be pursued – Hebrews 12:14

3. Holiness is the fruit of service to God – Romans 6:22

4. Holiness must be perfected – 2 Corinthians 7:1

5. If we are not careful, time to develop holiness will be gone

II. THE WAY TO TAKE TIME

A. SPEND TIME WITH THE LORD

1. The song encourages us to:

a. “Abide in Him always”

b. “Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone”

2. The means to do so involve:

a. Prayer, as suggested by the song

1) “Speak oft with thy Lord”

2) “Forgetting in nothing His blessings to seek”

b. The Word of God (“Feed on His Word”)

3. Do we take time to be with the Lord?

a. Through prayer, where the Lord is ready to intercede? – Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25

b. Through the Word, which testifies of our gracious Lord? – John 5:39; 1 Peter 2:2-3

4. I cannot overestimate the importance of finding time to be with the Lord alone through prayer and the Word!

B. SPEND TIME WITH OTHERS

1. This includes fellowship with other Christians (“Make friends of God’s children”)

a. Which the early Christians continued in steadfastly – Acts 2:42

b. Which helps to ensure faithfulness and steadfastness – Hebrews 3:12-14

c. Which includes the idea of frequent assembling – Hebrews 10:24-25

2. This includes service to our fellowman (“Help those who are weak”)

a. A duty enjoined upon Christians – 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15; Acts 20:35

b. Service toward all, but especially our brethren – Galatians 6:10

c. Ministering our abilities to one another – 1 Peter 4:10-11

3. We must not be so busy that we don’t have time to be with brethren and to help others as we have opportunity!

III. THE BENEFITS OF TAKING TIME

A. YOU WILL BE BLESSED

1. With inner peace and happiness (“Be calm in thy soul”)

a. Through frequent prayer – Philippians 4:6-7

b. Through frequent meditation upon the Word – Psalms 1:1-3; 119:165

2. With renewed strength (“Each thought and each motive beneath His control”)

a. Through your relationship with Christ – Philippians 4:13

b. Through the indwelling of the Spirit – Romans 8:12-13 Ephesians 3:16, 20-21

3. With increasing realization of God’s love (“Led by His Spirit to fountains of love”)

a. A manifestation of the Spirit in our lives – Romans 5:5

b. Whose fruit produces love – Galatians 5:22

4. Is this not sufficient motivation to “take time to be holy”?

B. YOU WILL BE MORE CHRIST-LIKE

1. The ultimate goal of discipleship (“Like Him thou shalt be”)

a. As explained by Jesus – Luke 6:40

b. As foreordained by God – Romans 8:29

2. A transformation noticed by others (“Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see”)

a. The result of spending time with Jesus – e.g., Peter and John, Acts 4:13

b. The result of giving yourself to such things as Timothy did, 1 Timothy 4:15

3. Prepared for greater service (“Thou soon shall be fitted for service above”)

a. For we will serve God in heaven, and in the new Jerusalem – Revelation 7:15; 22:3

b. Indeed, we will reign with Christ and God forever! – Revelation 22:5; 2 Timothy 2:12

4. Is this not even more motivation to “take time to be holy”?

Conclusion

1. Remember the need to take time

a. The world rushes on, and would carry us along with it

b. Our time in this life is short, we must have our priorities straight

2. Are you taking time, indeed, making time?

a. To spend time alone with God, in prayer and the Word?

b. To spend time with others, in fellowship and service?

3. We must take time, if we desire to:

a. Experience the blessed life Jesus offers

b. Become more Christ-like in our conduct

4. May this song (“Take Time To Be Holy”) always remind us of the need to slow down, and to do those things so crucial to our spiritual growth and happiness!

5. Have you taken the time to respond to the gospel of Christ…? – Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38